Apprentice boss invests in Croydon finalist

Lord Alan Sugar has gone into business with Apprentice finalist Susan Ma.

The 22-year-old organic skincare specialist, from Croydon, made it through to the final round in the boardroom in last year's series but missed out on the £250,000 investment prize.

But at the Ideal Home Show held at Earls Court last weekend, Lord Sugar announced he had chosen to invest in her skincare company Tropic.

Speaking of their 50/50 partnership, Lord Sugar revealed after filming ended he told all the contestants to call him if they ever needed him.

He said: "At the You're Hired show I mentioned Susan as someone I'd be contacting in the future. Well, I did contact her and then she didn't leave me alone until I invested in her.

"She has impressive enthusiasm and work ethic as well as a fantastic product and I am confident in her ability to make a success of this venture."

Miss Ma added: "My time on The Apprentice gave me an incredible opportunity to learn from Lord Sugar and I have applied this knowledge to take Tropic Skincare from my kitchen table to a credible
business model.

"Having Lord Sugar's investment and guidance to help me launch my new venture has been invaluable and I hope to return his confidence and trust in me by making a real success of Tropic Skin Care."

A new series of The Apprentice launches on Wednesday, March 21 on BBC One at 9pm.